• The nine winners of the National Kitchen Garden Awards 2026 have been revealed. 

• The award-winning schools and early childhood services demonstrated outstanding creativity, community connection and inclusivity. 

• Winners will receive prize packs valued at nearly $5,000 each, including a Kitchen Garden Program membership, a cash grant, and garden and kitchen supplies. 

After reviewing a record 647 entries from across Australia, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is thrilled to announce the nine winners of the National Kitchen Garden Awards 2026. 

Selected from a shortlist of 27 finalists, the winners stood out for their innovative approaches to kitchen gardening and their commitment to engaging children, families and communities through hands-on learning. Our expert judging panel, comprising Stephanie Alexander AO, Kylie Kwong AM, Connie Cao and Darren Robertson, faced the difficult task of choosing just nine winners. 

“It was so heartwarming to see what children are getting up to around Australia. I’ve been inspired,” says Connie Cao. 

The winners were unveiled at a Kitchen Garden Month celebration at Stanmore Public School, Sydney, on 15 September. 

Each winner will receive a prize pack valued at nearly $5,000, including a two-year Kitchen Garden Program membership, a cash grant, and kitchen and garden supplies. 

Join us in celebrating each winner and the positive impact their kitchen gardens are having on young people and their communities.

Beyond the Gate presented by ABC Gardening Australia magazine 
Winner: Wongan Hills District High School (WA) 

School garden becomes the heart of a rural community  
Wongan Hills District High School (also pictured in the header photo) has transformed its school garden into a thriving community hub, bringing together students, families, volunteers and local organisations. From growing produce and creating products for local markets to selling seedlings and sharing gardening knowledge, the program has strengthened community connections while teaching valuable enterprise skills. As the school describes it, the garden hasn’t just gone beyond the gate, it has “dismantled the gate.” 

First Nations Foods presented by Gardening on Country 
Winner: St Mary’s College Broome (WA) 

Growing knowledge on Country 
At St Mary’s College Broome, First Nations perspectives are at the heart of kitchen garden learning. Students grow native bush foods, learn through the Yawuru seasons and collaborate with Elders and community experts to explore traditional uses of local plants. The program strengthens cultural identity while building literacy, numeracy and a deep connection to Country. 

Kitchen Garden Trailblazer presented by Wiltshire 
Winner: The Village School Gold Coast (QLD) 

Miss B brings balcony to bowl
The Village School Gold Coast celebrates the leadership of Miss B., whose creativity and dedication turned a small balcony into a flourishing kitchen garden. Through the school’s Balcony to Bowl project, students grow ingredients, design menus, host restaurant-style events and experience the full journey from seed to plate, developing confidence, teamwork and a lifelong appreciation for food and sustainability.

Recipe of the Imagination presented by Herbie’s Spices 
Winner: Aldavilla Public School (NSW) 

A homegrown favourite: Warrigal greens wraps
Aldavilla Public School has turned Warrigal Greens into a kitchen garden success story. Thriving in local conditions and featuring in everything from dips and pastries to Warrigal Greens Wraps, the versatile native ingredient has encouraged students to experiment with flavour while showcasing the value of growing food that is perfectly suited to their environment.

Showcasing STEM presented by Seasol 
Winner: Springhurst Primary School (VIC) 

Turning challenges into discovery 
When extreme heat devastated the garden at Springhurst Primary School, students responded like scientists and engineers. They investigated plant survival, explored water-saving technologies, designed resilient growing systems and used mathematics to plan future projects. The result was hands-on STEM learning driven by curiosity and collaboration.

Sustainable Solutions presented by Costa Group 
Winner: Bungwahl Public School (NSW) 

Living sustainably every day 
For Bungwahl Public School, sustainability is embedded in everyday life. From composting and preserving produce to harvesting rainwater and following permaculture principles, students learn practical ways to reduce waste and care for the environment. Their garden demonstrates that food security, sustainability and community connection can grow hand in hand. 

The Art of Kitchen Gardening presented by MSP Compass 
Winner: Manning Gardens Public School (NSW) 

Inspiration in every season 
At Manning Gardens Public School, the kitchen garden serves as a creative classroom where students draw inspiration from nature, culture and Country. Through photography, storytelling, weaving, sculpture and visual arts, students transform their garden experiences into meaningful creative works while developing observation skills, and a deeper appreciation of the world around them. 

The Next Crop presented by JAZZ Apples 
Winner: Alawa Primary School (NT) 

Growing the leaders of tomorrow
The Farm Monitor program at Alawa Primary School empowers students to become role models and leaders within their school community. By mentoring younger children, caring for animals, representing the school at events and building community partnerships, Farm Monitors develop valuable leadership skills while sharing their passion for growing, cooking and learning.

Wellbeing Champions presented by ABC Organic Gardener magazine 
Winner: Devonshire Street Children’s Centre (NSW) 

Cultivating connection across generations
Devonshire Street Children’s Centre, NSW has created an intergenerational vegetable garden that brings children and senior community members together. Through shared gardening experiences, grandparents pass on cultural knowledge and practical skills, while children build meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to all our winners!

To learn about the benefits of the Kitchen Garden Program, join our free info sessions for early childhood services on 9 November and for primary schools on 10 November. 

For media queries, contact Audrey Bourget 
audrey.bourget@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au

With thanks to our award category partners

With thanks to our prize partners